Arcata High is winner in ‘Student Voices’ program

Arcata High School won second-place honors in the fourth annual “Student Voices Campaign,” presented by the California Alliance for Arts Education. They were competing with students from throughout California.

The “Student Voices” program gave students in grades seven to 12 an opportunity to use video technology to communicate what matters to them and share their vision with their local school board. More than 100 videos were submitted and the final 14 entries cover topics ranging from bullying and the overuse of electronics to suicide prevention and how to clean up their school. Five outstanding entries — including Arcata High School — were selected as the top winners, with a tie for first going to the entries from Windsor High School and Bear River High School in Grass Valley.

Videos were judged on persuasiveness of the message, technical components of the video and the creative approach. Students were asked how they would make their school a better place with the campaign slogan, “Your Voice. Your Vision. Your School.” Videos and messages were shared with school board members in each district.

“Through these videos … they expressed creatively what they were passionate about and shared a plea for change,” said California Alliance for Arts Education Senior Director of Advocacy and Communications Sibyl O’Malley. “The Student Voices Campaign is a creative way for young people to make their voices heard in their school district and share their vision for their schools. It also teaches the power of advocacy and civic engagement.”

The winning Arcata High School entry is “Notre Voix –Our Voice.” It can be viewed at https://vimeo.com/210854520. Arcata High School also was named a finalist for the video “Creating Community,” viewable at https://vimeo.com/210975156.